Cicada Plantations Outgrower Schemes
Everything we do is done by people. The stakeholder ecosystem (community, employees, and supply chain) in which we operate supports the protection and management of the natural ecosystems we rely on. However, the ecosystems we depend on do not stop at our physical boundaries.
Cicada does not intend to be an island of prosperity, but rather wants to share its economics and values with those communities surrounding our estates. Therefore, key to achieving our sustainability goals is engagement of surrounding communities. Our decisions can influence their opportunities and contribute to the preservation of the ecosystems we all rely on. Income-earning opportunities, through both employment of community members on our estates, as well as out grower schemes, contributes to ensuring communities earn a living wage, understand, and buy into our values and vision, and help delivery long-term prosperity for all involved.
HONDE VALLEY: In conjunction with Katiyo Estates, Cicada Agriculture has embarked on a small-scale Conservation Farming programme that seeks to diversify farmers away from bananas, which are responsible for a large proportion of deforestation along the banks of the Pungwe river. The aim is to eventually link the growers to avocado export markets by achieving benchmark standards in conservation agriculture. The benefits will be two-fold, providing farmers with a revenue stream, as well as ultimately preserving the Pungwe River.
Left is Isaac, who is part of the programme. As you can see, he is incorporating conservation agriculture practices (mulching pictured here) to grow healthy avocado trees.
GAIREZI (Nyanga district): Cicada Agriculture is delivering an all-embracing conservation and restoration project through the introduction of conservation agriculture, connex services, and riverine restoration in the communities’ resident in the Gairezi River system. The Gairezi River is an iconic tourist attraction and an important tributary of the Eastern highlands watershed system.
A pilot program was started in 2022 with 30 farmers, which has increased to 90 in 2023. Farmers are currently growing maize and sugar beans (pictured here), which is being purchased by Cicada Agriculture.
Some of the key principles of our out-grower support include, but are not limited to, ensuring farmers are provided with the necessary skills, knowledge, and inputs. We also promote the inclusion of women farmers. We also provide the necessary training to farmers regarding our Child and Forced Labour Policy.